Italian FA president Carlo Tavecchio has been banned for six months by UEFA for racist comments that he made in the summer.

The 71-year-old came under fire back in July when he described black players as a "banana eaters" during a speech.

Despite making the comments, Tavecchio was later voted in as the president of the FIGC.

"Mr. Tavecchio will be ineligible for any position as a UEFA Official for a period of six months starting from the communication of this decision," read an official statement from European football's governing body. "Mr. Tavecchio will not participate in the next UEFA Congress scheduled for 24 March 2015.

"Mr. Tavecchio will organize a special event in Italy aimed at increasing awareness and compliance with the principles of UEFA's Resolution entitled European Football united against racism."

Italy continue their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign on Friday when they host Azerbaijan.